Former President Donald Trump spent seven hours answering questions during a deposition by New York Attorney General Letitia James on Thursday. This marks the second time he has been deposed as part of a $250 million fraud case, which accuses him of falsifying the value of his properties and seeks to ban him from doing business in New York State.
Trump's lawyer, Alina Habba stated that her client was "eager to testify" to clear his name of these allegations and that he has "nothing to conceal." The lawsuit involves not only Trump but also the Trump Organization and three of his children - Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Ivanka Trump. They are accused of providing false financial statements to lenders and business partners.
The criminal charges brought by the Manhattan district attorney focus on how the company accounted internally for payments made to lawyer Michael Cohen for his work paying off people who would otherwise go public with stories about extramarital sexual encounters that Trump denies ever occurred.
During this second deposition for New York Attorney General Letitia James' $250 million lawsuit against him, former President Trump defended his family business while invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. N.Y. Attorney General James herself was not present at this event.
Attorney Habba further commented on her client's cooperation during the deposition: "Donald J. Trump answered every question, and as we have said from day one there is absolutely no case."
The outcome of this ongoing legal battle will undoubtedly have significant implications for both Mr. Trump's personal reputation as well as potential future business endeavors within New York State.